Differentiation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells: correlation between the synthesis and secretion of immunoglobulins and the ultrastructure of the malignant cells

摘要: The capacity of synthesizing and secreting Ig molecules was studied in 11 patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) whose cells expressed surface IgM, 3 IgG-bearing cells, 2 IgM prolymphocytic leukemias (IgM-PLL). Three types mu chains were detected by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis the endogenously labeled isolated specific immunoprecipitation. Two them from cell lysates identified as membrane chain precursor secreted molecules, respectively. latter also possibly contained precursors molecules. third type molecule only culture medium secretory chain. Not all malignant clones possessed three chains. Only 7/13 IgM-bearing capable secretion, whereas remaining synthesized but degraded intracellularly. (membrane secreted) found CLL patients. In them, secretion detected. Ultrastructural demonstrated that had features more mature lymphocytes than nonsecreting clones. These represented a developed Golgi apparatus, various vesicles (smooth coated), strands rough endoplasmic reticulum. A certain heterogeneity degree maturation observed within these data are consistent hypothesis heterogeneous can be distinguished through different degrees their components.